DMK MP calls for 60% reduction in Paranur toll fees

04 Nov 2024 CW Team

DMK MP P Wilson has raised concerns over "excessive toll fees" at the Paranur toll plaza near Chennai, accusing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) of collecting over Rs 285 million above the project's original investment. Wilson called for a 60% reduction in toll fees at Paranur and other toll plazas across Tamil Nadu, citing the 2008 National Highways Fee Rules, which mandate reduced toll rates once project costs are recovered.

In a post on X, Wilson condemned the continued collection of full toll charges as "unacceptable, outrageous, and unjust," warning that unchecked toll collections could lead to "unjust exploitation and looting."

NHAI currently operates 64 toll plazas across Tamil Nadu. Wilson questioned the deposit of excess funds into the Consolidated Fund of India for further highway projects, arguing that without independent audits, these funds benefit contractors at the expense of the public. He also criticized Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officials for allegedly misinterpreting the 1997 National Highways Fee Rules, which stipulate an 80-kilometer minimum distance between toll plazas, a requirement Wilson claims is being ignored.

This appeal follows similar demands by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, who recently urged a halt to toll collection on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48), citing poor road conditions and incomplete construction at Sriperumbudur toll plaza. (ET)

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